I am so fucking weary of being in so much fucking pain all the time.

[Redstone]

I'm sure you all appreciate my throwing such a damper on an otherwise pleasant Friday evening by burdening you with that information....

Redstone

[shesemsmom]

1. What kind off pain

:hug: I take aleve by the hands full it helps

[bigwillq]

8. If I take one Aleve, it makes me crzy

I get all jittery, way too hyper. My heart beats like crzy. I can't image taking more than one.

[shesemsmom]

9. Will the doctor give you something

or put you in physical therapy

[bigwillq]

13. I think you mean to be asking Redstone

this question, right?

[shesemsmom]

16. OPPS YES

sorry

[bigwillq]

18. No prob!

;-)

[Redstone]

14. It's been a 33-year journey through injury

and surgeries, and therapies, and treatments, and alternatives, and so forth.

The path that we Pain People take is a long and convoluted one, and one that, all too often, leads to the bridge.

But not in my case. Thank you so much for answering.

Redstone

[shesemsmom]

17. I hope you find something soon that helps

:hug:

[bertha katzenengel]

75. i'm glad you've avoided the bridge

:hug:

[skygazer]

69. Be careful with that stuff

Too much of it can screw you up. They took Vioxx off the market because they found it carried a high risk of heart disease and the over the counter NSAID's are thought to be risky as well in high doses.

My hubby used to take a lot of ibuprofin. Then he started having blackouts and dizzy spells. MRI showed nothing - when he told the doc how much of those things he was taking, she told him to back off. Once he did, the symptoms disappeared.

Pain sucks but be careful about what you put in your body.

[politicat]

2. I'm sorry....

All I can do is offer the virtual tea of your choice and my sympathy and empathy (I want my knees back so they'll stop hurting, too....)

Tea biscuits, Redstone? One lump or two? Milk or Lemon? Would you care for a scone with clotted cream?

[Redstone]

15. That would be very nice, and would indeed help

me feel better, thank you so much.

They're doing great work with knee replacements these days, don't you know... I talked with an a man I know in town today; he's 83 years old and has had two new knees done in the last year and is walking very well...there's hope for you.

Redstone

[politicat]

46. For you, I'll bake and brew....

Seriously... I love to bake, but can't eat it usually, and my partner is really tired of biking off my creations. PM me an address, and you might find goodies arriving on a regular basis.

Knees are getting there - reconstructive surgery, not replacement, is what we're looking at. (I'm 29, so replacement is not an option - the replacements would wear out before the rest of me does.) It going to be a long two years, and other things are going wrong, too...

My great-grandfather is one of those 6 million dollar men - both knees, both hips, both ankles, cataracts and corneal reshaping, and a cochlear implant in one ear. He's 91, so I know how well the surgery works.

As far as pain goes.... to mention something that you've probably tried, but.... I have found that ketoprofen is a wonderful drug at 100 mg/oral 4x/d. I find that it works better than the other NSAIDS without the nasty stomach cramps and other side effects of naproxen sodium. It's a little harder to find, but worth the request to the doc. (It used to be OTC as Orudis, but didn't break into the market share, so Wyeth pulled it.) It's safe up to 200 mg/oral 4x/d, combines well with narcotic pain relievers, and is not as strongly associated with liver damage as other NSAIDs.

[havocmom]

41. My mom had a knee replaced. She was a dancer in yonger days

Told the surgeon she could dance again and asked him for her first dance on the new knee. He blushed and admitted he didn't know how to dance. My ol mom taught him! They both had a grand time.

That new knee did her a world of good!

[politicat]

44. I need double reconstruction.

About a year of surgery, therapy and redevelopment... per knee. I'm in process right now.

I'm 29, so I guess I should not complain; I'll heal rapidly, and it shouldn't be too stressful. Still....

There are nights when nothing touches it. Though I have found that ketoprofen is a wonderful drug at 100 mg/oral 4x/d. I find that it works better than the other NSAIDS without the nasty stomach cramps and other side effects of naproxen sodium. It's a little harder to find, but worth the request to the doc. (It used to be OTC as Orudis, but didn't break into the market share, so Wyeth pulled it.)

[havocmom]

47. Ketoprofen helps me more than anything else too.

Can't take the 'good stuff' as my body rejects it (and everything I have eaten in a month). Have found that combining ketoprofen with Bailey's gives me more relief. As I am a real light weight at drinking, I go ahead and mix those poisons when things get bad enough. It is better than the fatal dose of substance-to-remain-unnamed they pumped out of me several years ago when I simply could not face the pain and incapacitation it brought. Since then, I have used every pain management trick I can find to keep from going there again. It caused too much pain for those I love.

Hope the knees get better as the work on them gets done.

[politicat]

48. PM if you ever need it....

Don't hesitate....

[havocmom]

49. Might take you up on that sometime! Thanks

I live a zillion miles from real medical care and a pharmacy. Also have reason for deep distrust of MDs in the US. The Shaman who comes in my dreams does a better job than any of the Med School grads I have dealt with. Glad my sleeping mind works on the problem on the rare occassions I actually get sleep ;)

[nytemare]

50. ACL?

I had ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair. They gave me a machine that pumped ice water through a knee wrap, and another that bent my knee while I slept. My sugery was about a year ago, and is doing pretty well. Steps bug it sometimes.

I think they gave me naproxen, and I got weird dreams.

[politicat]

54. Both ACLS, both menisci, random other damage.

Long story, but basically, my bones are leaching calcium, so the tendons and ligaments are anchored less firmly than they should be, letting them snap easily.

[nytemare]

56. Hmm, you know my doc told me I am very close to osteopenia

And my left acl ruptured at the top end. I read the surgical report, and it said my bones were soft when he was doing surgery, so he needed a wider screw to affix the new ACL properly.

Are you on Fosamax, or anything like it? I am considering it. I am only 33, and at my age my bones should be the strongest that they will be in my life, but they are brittle.

You?

[politicat]

57. Getting there...

We're in the diagnosis stage of many things, with some tunnel vision going on. Things like, "you're only 29! You can't possibly be menopausal!" and "Your estrogen/thyroid/pituitary numbers are fine! You can't possibly be having the problems you're having!"

Chipping away, one symptom at a time.... It's frustrating, but osteoporosis is diagnosed, and now they're trying to figure out what's causing it, so no medication until they know what is causing it, since meds might interfere with diagnosis....

(My eyes are about to be permanently fixed in the rolled up position, since I'm so disgusted with these docs, but that's the way it goes....)

[nytemare]

62. Wow, osteoporosis already??

:hug:

Have you had problems with fractures??

I brought it up to my knee doc not only the acl injury, but that in the 2 years prior I broke my ankle and wrist. I had a lot of "stress fractures" in the military, add to that flat feet, and you have me...lol.

I hope they can find something good for you that will help. I hear fosamax is good, and I think they came out with a new one where you only have to take it once a month!

[Kathy in Cambridge]

3. I'm sorry. Do you have an autoimmune disease?

sometimes getting rest is the best antidote to pain. :hug:

[Redstone]

11. Tonight it's the RSDS, as usual...

(Reflex Sympathic Dystrophy Syndrome), too worn out from fighting it today to find any links, though I do appreciate your concern...how did your recent personal procedure work out, by the way?

Well, I hope.

Redstone

[MrSlayer]

4. Have you tried smoking some pot?

Cure-all for me. Even if it still hurts you won't really care.

[Redstone]

7. Mrs. R made sure I had some tonight.

It does help, and what a wonderful wife is she to tell me that I should do that. Though it's still eating my life.

Thank you for your concern.

Redstone

[MrSlayer]

10. You're welcome, good luck.

Hope your ailment subsides.

[MissB]

5. .

:hug:

All I can offer, really. Hope it helps, if even for a moment.

[chookie]

6. My heart goes out to you

It is an extraordinary burden to bear constant pain. It is sad news to hear you struggle with it, and I fervently hope that some day you get relief from it.

:hug:

[Bouncy Ball]

12. Red, I had no idea.

I hope whatever it is gives you some peace soon!

:hug:

You're a great guy.

[Redstone]

19. BB, it does define my life, not that I'm happy to

announce that in public, as it were.

The hugs and the compliments help, and I'm serious about that, though some heroin would be the real ticket right about now...

Just joking. Thanks for the kind words.

Redstone

[welshTerrier2]

22. have you checked out this clinic

these guys sound like 1/3 quackery, 1/3 magic and 1/3 medicine ... the clinic was founded by Herbert Benson and has become world famous for the treatment of chronic pain ... the clinic is based in Boston, btw ...

here's a link that might just be worth checking out: http://www.mbmi.org/pages/mp_mp12.asp

it wouldn't hurt (no pun intended) to give them a call to see if you're a good fit for what they offer ...

i hope this helps ...

[Redstone]

23. Thank you for the link; I'll check it out tomorrow--

there is NOTHING that we PaIn People won't check out....I appreciate you providing the link.

Redstone

[welshTerrier2]

24. please report back on them good or bad ...

i know they are really famous ... many people who are swimming in years of pain pills end up there ...

their literature claims they have a pretty high batting average ... their methods seem a bit unconventional but who cares as long as they work ...

good luck !! keep us posted ...

[Redstone]

26. I'll do that. I owe you for the link.

Redstone

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

20. Smoke it if you have it!

"Better living through chemistry"-- my motto!

It helps my arthritis, anyhoo...

[Redstone]

21. Oh, yes: "Smoke 'em if you got 'em;

them as can't smoke, go through the motions."

I got 'em tonight, and appreciate your input, Pris. It does help, donnit?

Redstone

[mark414]

25. hope you get better dude

glad you to hear you've had some help :smoke:

and i've been meaning to ask you...how your recent revelation went (the revealing of your secret)?

anyways, wish the best for ya, get well soon.

[Redstone]

28. It actually went easier than I ever thought it would be

possible...short version is that Mrs R told me she knew already..so much for my acting ability.

Appreciate the good thoughts from you, I do.

Redstone

[khashka]

27. From One to Another

Redstone, I know what you are going through. I have chronic pain too. I can take the disability that comes with it... but the pain gets to me. People who don't live with pain every single fucking moment of every single fucking day of their fucking lives just don't get it. They don't understand the toll it takes, all the insidious ways it subverts you. (Doesn't mean I'm trashing 'em. So many of them open up their arms and their hearts.... and that matters so much.) But they don't know, and I pray every possible god they will never know what it is like to never have a moment without pain. Or know that in a few years they will be blind, or deaf, or both, or dead (all of which I've been told by doctors).


So, you didn't bring me down, other than to know what you are going through and know what it's like and know that I can give you my friendship but I can't take the pain away. But, when it gets to me and I start ranting and raving and having a hard time dealing with it... I'm sure of one person who will know what I mean.

Khash.

[Redstone]

29. I didn't know you were one of us Pain People.

But now that I do, please consider me your friend, if you would.

It is indeed true that nobody who has not experienced chronic pain can truly understand it, but as you say, there are good people out there wh try to be kind even if they can't really understand...

Yes, there will always be one person who will "know what you mean," if you start "ranting and raving" as you say.

I'll understand. Use PM if you want to talk. I'll be here.

Redstone

(I'm checking out now, as the Ambien and Finlandia are finally getting to work. And about time, dammit.)

[Evergreen Emerald]

30. I am sorry to hear about your pain...

edited due to unnecessarily silliness.

[Redstone]

32. Well, no, it would be more painful if my stones

were blue, as it were, though I appreciate your concern.

Not to mention your editing.

Redstone

[Kat45]

31. The neurologist I used to see specializes in pain.

He's an Indian man, and along with being an MD (specializing in neurology), he also knows about alternative medicine, herbs, etc. Besides being affiliated with hospitals, he also works at the Marino Center in Cambridge, an alternative medicine place.

I'm sorry to hear of your pain. The pot is a good thing to have for it. My cousin's husband was totally unaffected by narcotics, and the only thing that would help his serious back pain was pot.

[Redstone]

34. I'm not surprised to hear from you,

because you're such a peach, and such a supportive person throughout all this stuff.

I've been to the cross-specialty doctors, and though I believe in the things they do, nerve damage is the one thing that tends to defy alternative treatment.

More later. Thank you again, my friend.

Redstone

[Swede]

33. No problem Redstone.

That's why the Lounge is here.

[Redstone]

36. Thanks, Swede.

I'll not mention the Fish, in appreciation of your sympathetic post.

Redstone

(Just joking, of course.)

[put out]

35. I don't know your particulars. Here's what I got for you

if I could, but I can't. And it sound like you have it going there.

Heat or cold? Food, and what kind. Alcohol if you want, and what kind. Tea, hot or cold, and what kind. A shower or a bath, and what clothing is comfortable to you now. A blanket, a sheet, a pillow here or there, let me know. Medicine on schedule, or street if you need it. Natural light, or lamp light, or candle light, or dark. Music of your choice, or television, or a movie. The telephone, or the computer, do you want to use them or have them turned off.

Conversation or silent companionship or solitude.

Pain stinks. I wish it to ease for you. It sounds that your loved ones are trying.

[Redstone]

37. Whoa. God damn. Sounds like you understand this

better than anyone else.

Seriously. I'm stunned by your reply.

You're one of us Pain People, aren't you? You'd not understand so well otherwise.

Your support helps, and if there's any way I can give back to you, just let me know.

Redstone

[LynzM]

38. Big hugs to you, unless that makes it hurt more...

:hug: I wish there were something I could do other than offer you words here... I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that the place up in Boston can work some miracles on you, dude.

[Redstone]

40. Should have known you'd show up,

with words of encouragement on such a night of trials...it's only my family that's keeping me away from the the bridge right now, and you know how high a bridge that is, having driven over it.

You're a real pal. I owe you.

Redstone

[LynzM]

58. I'm glad your family is there, then

Because that is a damn high bridge. I hope the thought of mango margaritas and bbq with friends does its little part, too :hug:

[Redstone]

59. The margs and BBQ will be a factor if summer ever

gets here.

But I shouldn't complain about the cold weather this pring, because it's my fault...I caused it by buying a convertible, after all.

Redstone

[LynzM]

63. LOL

Yeah, you and Missy, all your faults :P

I agree, whatever happened to that lovely 70 degree sunny-ness we were having, huh? Come back, come back! I wanna play outside!! :bounce:

[OldLeftieLawyer]

39. Here's a place that helped me some:

Wonderful people dedicated to easing pain: http://tinyurl.com/dj5zp

[Redstone]

43. Thank you, OldLeftie, I'll get in touch with them;

anything might help. Appreciate it.

Redstone

[Straight Shooter]

42. You're not in Texas, but maybe you can call and get a referral

There is a Dr. Kenneth Reed in Dallas, Texas, who specializes in RSD (he also calls it complex regional pain syndrome). I don't have his number, I only know him by reputation, but he's got to be listed on the Internet.

He knows his field very well. I'm just wondering if maybe he can help you somehow, although I'm guessing you've already got the best treatment you can find where you are.

Bless your heart, I feel so sorry for you, RSD is hell. :hug:

[havocmom]

45. Hope you get some good sleep and sweet dreams.

The loss of mobility & strength are annoying as hell, but for me, the worst is when I go days/weeks on very little sleep, let alone QUALITY sleep! Those nights when I actually sleep well enough to dream are pure gold. Sadly, they come so seldom that my memory and ability to think clearly are shot to hell. Am sure sanity is on the way out too.

Maybe when I lose my mind from sleep deprivation, I won't notice the pain so much?

Am thinking pot too, but have no idea how to get it. Just want the pain to stop and it gets worse almost daily.

Falling down a lot doesn't help either ;)

Hope you get sleep, Redstone. I have come to know the real value of it. Hope you get sweet dreams and good rest.

peace
hm

[Redstone]

61. Thanks, havocmom. I didn't know you had physical problems,

and would encourage you to try smoking some dope...it does work well as a pain killer for many people.

And I'll bet if you look around, it's not that hard to find, even out where you live.

Feel better.

Redstone

[Tsiyu]

51. .

:hug:

[Wapsie B]

52. Have you tried Accupuncture?

But I'm sure you've looked at just about everything there is.

[Redstone]

60. Yes, I've tried acupuncture, and though I believe it can work

for some people, unfortunately it didn't for me.

The acupuncturist said I had "ridiculously stubborn chi."

Redstone

[norml]

53. I've broke, and dislocated both ankles.

I've mostly managed to avoid reinjuries. I find that going swimming every other day helps. I deliver pizzas six days of the week, and am limping much of the time. Ice helps to reduce the swelling, when I get home. I'm hoping that the pain will go away sometime. On the plus side I suppose that my chronic pain might qualify me for medical marijuana, if I should move to a state where that's available.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

55. My dear Redstone,

I'm sorry I didn't see this thread till now...I had no idea you have been going through so much all this time. I wish there were something that I could do for you, but all I have are these words. My heart goes out to you. I hope that one or even all of those links provided will help you.

And ANYTIME you need to unload on us DUers...PLEASE do not hesitate! We are ALL here for you...You are much loved here...

:grouphug:


:loveya:

[Debbi801]

64. Redstone, I am so sorry. RSD Sucks...

Where do you have it? If it is an extremity, something that has helped me a little bit is hot parafin wax. I have it in my foot, no where near as unmanageable as it was a couple of years ago, though. I broke my heel bone and this started soon after.

I will dip my foot several times (4-6) in the melted wax, wrap it in saran wrap, and then a towel. The moist heat, along with pain medicine helps a bit. The physical therapist I went to also gave me exercises that help quite a bit.

The other thing I've had to do (along with pain meds) is get shots to "kill" the nerves temporarily.

:hug:

Debbi

[Redstone]

74. I can't get the cryoblock shots, because the nerve damage

is too close to my spine.

But the hot paraffin sounds interesting; I bet it feels good. Might give that a try. Thanks for the suggestion.

Redstone

[Ellen Forradalom]

65. Redstone, I'm sorry to hear about your pain.

You're quite right, I don't have any way of understanding. I have a lifetime of psychological pain behind me but I don't think they are at all comparable.

By the responses to this thread, it sounds like the pain makes you very sensitive to stimuli. I hope you are in the right environment to minimize the pain.

[Redstone]

67. Thanks, EF, that's why I haven't answered your PM yet;

Figured I'd spend Friday night whining to everyone, then whine to people individualy later. Must do things in order, after all.

I'll get back to you on the other thing soon.

Redstone

[bettyellen]

66. i'm sorry to see this red, i had no idea........

i hope you feel better today.
when the wheater turns the convertible will do great things for your spirtis.......

[progmom]

68. My sympathies, Redstone

:hug:

[SarahB]

70. I'm sorry you have to go through this.

I hope there is something out there that will provide you with relief.
:pals:

[Redstone]

72. Yes, there is something that provides relief,

but it's kinda hard to get hold of. You wouldn't happen to have any morphine laying around that you're not using, would you?

I'd even drive up there to pick it up.

Redstone

[Ladyhawk]

71. I'm so sorry, Redstone

I've experienced chronic pain for the past four years or so and just had surgery on my neck. I still don't know the long-term outcome. :( I try turning off the pain at a switch in my mind--do you know what I'm talking about? It's like a circuit breaker, though. If the pain becomes too much, the switch doesn't work. Also, it keeps me from feeling other things besides pain.

I don't even want to think about the future right now. I just hope the surgery worked. :(

BIG HUG, Redstone. Sweet Jesus, no one deserves this. :(

[Redstone]

73. Thank you, madam Ladyhawk. I do hope your surgery

will be successful...is it a C4 or C5? The surgery for those generally does help.

I know about the "switch." It does help but, as you say, can be overwhelmed.

You'll get better. Count on it.

Redstone